Description

The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (NWA), made up of marshland, plains and forests, is located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, 50 km east of Québec City. Established in 1978 by Environment Canada, its purpose is to protect the American Bulrush marshes that serve as the primary habitat of the Greater Snow Goose during migration periods. The wildlife area was recognized as a Wetland of International Significance under the Ramsar Convention in 1981, becoming the first site to earn this distinction in North America. Its many historic buildings testify to more than 400 years of human occupation and farming activity, making it one of the founding sites of Canada.

Situated at the junction of the Canadian Shield, the St. Lawrence Lowlands and the Appalachians, the wildlife area also lies at the confluence of the Upper and Fluvial estuaries of the St. Lawrence. The territory offers contrasting landscapes shaped by the meeting of the river, large coastal marshes, plains and mountains, and features a multitude of habitats that are home to a very wide diversity of animal and plant species. The wildlife area is home to more than 325 bird species, 30 mammal species, 22 types of forest stands and 700 plant species. Many of these species are at risk, including the Peregrine Falcon, the Bobolink, and the Butternut.

In spring and fall, migratory birds congregate in the narrow corridor framed by the river and the cape's escarpment and invade the mosaic of habitats in the wildlife area. The area is renowned for the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Greater Snow Geese gathering at the site by the tens of thousands during migration.

In addition to 20 different duck and goose species, some 10 or more species of birds of prey and 30 warbler species have been observed. In the spring Wood Duck, Northern Harrier, Pileated Woodpecker, Ruffed Grouse, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, and American Redstart are frequently observed. In addition to the populations of Red-winged Blackbirds, Swamp Sparrows, and American Black Ducks in the coastal marsh, Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow makes the wildlife area one of its rare nesting sites on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, while the presence of the Bobolink is also worthy of mention. Nearly 20 species are observed in the winter, including Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, and Barred Owl.Among the mammals, the most common are the muskrat, the White-tailed Deer and the Red Squirrel. The American Porcupine, the Red Fox, and the American Black Bear are also observed on occasion.

The primary threats and management challenges to the ecological integrity of the Cap TourmenteNWA include neighbouring land development, poaching, invasive alien plants, and the impact of visitors.

More information on Cap TourmenteNWA is provided in the summary table below.

Management

National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) are protected and managed according to the Wildlife Area Regulations under the Canada Wildlife Act. The primary purpose of NWAs is the protection and conservation of wildlife and their habitat. For this purpose, and according to the legislation, Environment Canada can prohibit all activities in a NWAthat could interfere with the conservation of wildlife. Consequently, most NWAs are not accessible to the public and all activities are prohibited. Nonetheless, Environment Canada has the ability to authorize some activities, whether through public notice or the issuance of permits, as long as these are consistent with the management plan goals for the NWA. For more information, consult the NWAsManagement and Activities section.

Access to the Cap TourmenteNWA is restricted to designated areas and times of the year, and subject to payment of an entrance fee. The following activities are permitted: hiking, nature observation and photography. Hunting for the Greater Snow Goose is permitted in the fall within the wildlife area with an Environment Canada permit. Public notices listing the activities permitted within the wildlife area are posted at area access points.

Permits may be issued for research activities in keeping with the priorities set out in the management plan for the wildlife area. Permits may also be issued for other conservation activities such as surveys, or the enhancement or restoration of habitat.

Priority will be given to collaborative activities with local agencies and organizations to promote the protection and the conservation of wildlife species and their habitat in the NWA. For example, initiatives could be launched or continued with the following entities: universities or research centers to address gaps in scientific knowledge; the province to implement recovery measures for species at risk (particularly those falling under provincial jurisdiction); or non-governmental organizations or municipal authorities to build public awareness of the wildlife area's objectives.

Environment Canada would like to inform the public that the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (NWA), located in the Municipality of Saint-Joachim, is a protected area. Established in 1978, the purpose of the NWA is to protect migratory birds, wildlife and their habitats, as well as several species at risk.

To protect this area, the Department would also like to inform people circulating in the NWA of their obligation to comply with the rules of the Canada Wildlife Act and the Wildlife Area Regulations. Failure to comply with the regulations may result in a fine or prosecution.

Activities allowed without a permit but with a right of access in designated developed areas (trails, observation areas, as well as resting and picnic areas) are: hiking, nature observation, photography and picnics. Picnics are permitted only on benches, tables and in observation areas. During winter, snowshoeing is permitted only on open marked trails.

Without a permit issued by the Minister specifying the authorized activities, the following are prohibited in the NWA:

Walking off developed trails and access roads;

Using any means of transportation; for example, snowmobiling is prohibited across the NWA;

Damaging, destroying or removing a plant;

Having a domestic animal without a leash;

Dumping or depositing any garbage or substance that would degrade or alter the quality of the environment;

Public Services

Activities and interpretation services are currently offered at Cap Tourmente NWA. Services offered to the public include outreach activities to build awareness of wildlife habitat conservation. The recommended visit duration is 2 to 4 hours.

Many species at risk under the Species At Risk Act, including the Peregrine Falcon, Bobolink and the Butternut. Numerous other species are classified as at risk under provincial legislation.

Main habitat type

Intertidal marsh and broad expanses of American Bulrush.

Faunistic and floristic importance

Presence of wetlands, agricultural fields and forest providing a popular staging area for migratory birds and important breeding grounds. Wide diversity of plant and animal species and habitats within a relatively limited area. Presence of wildlife and plant species at risk.

Access restricted to designated areas and at certain times of the year. Activities permitted: hiking (20 km of trails), nature observation, photography, interpretation centre with exhibition hall and audiovisual presentations, outreach activities. Hunting for the Greater Snow Goose is permitted in the fall within the wildlife area with an Environment Canada permit.

Note: If there is a discrepancy between the information presented on this web page and any notice posted at the NWA site, the notice prevails as it is the legal instrument authorizing the activity.